It’s the final game of Wild Card Weekend, and what a way to cap it off with a matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams. This one’s got all the drama: A neutral-site game in Arizona due to wildfires in Los Angeles, two evenly matched teams and playoff stakes that couldn’t be higher. I’m coming into this one 4-1 on the weekend, and I’m ready build on that with my Vikings-Rams Wild Card MNF best bets.
I have a side, a prop and a touchdown scorer, as always. Let’s dive into the action and finish the weekend strong. Don’t forget to check out our NFL player prop betting strategy guide, or explore even more free NFL expert picks and +EV NFL bets!
Wild Card MNF Best Bets for Vikings-Rams
Don’t miss out! Tonight only, get Portfolio EV for 59% off using promo code EV59. Sign up now and start growing your bankroll with the industry’s top sports betting tools!
Vikings-Rams MNF Best Bets
The Rams are coming into this game as 2.5-point underdogs, and I’m siding with them here. Yes, it’s a neutral-site game, but it’s important to note that homefield advantage in Los Angeles isn’t what it is in cities like Buffalo, Philadelphia or Baltimore. Moving the game to Arizona doesn’t make a massive difference.
Here’s the thing: The Rams defense has been lights out recently, allowing just 24 total points over its last three games (excluding Week 18, where starters sat out). Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford has had extra time to rest alongside key offensive and defensive players, which is a big deal heading into a win-or-go-home game.
Contrast that with the Vikings, who are playing their 13th straight game without a bye. They’re coming off a grueling Week 18 matchup against the Lions, a game that felt like a playoff battle in itself. That kind of wear and tear adds up, and it gives the Rams an edge. I’ll take the points with Los Angeles.
MNF Best Bet for Vikings-Rams: Rams +2.5 (-106, FanDuel)
Best MNF Player Prop Bets for Wild Card Monday
Puka Nacua Over 89.5 Receiving Yards (-125, ESPN BET)
This play might feel a little chalky, but it makes too much sense to pass up. Puka Nacua has been the alpha in this Rams passing attack, especially as Cooper Kupp has struggled to regain his usual form. Kupp’s separation metrics have declined significantly, and he no longer looks like the same reliable weapon for Stafford.
Meanwhile, Nacua has been thriving. He even posted 106 yards against this same Vikings team earlier in the season, right after returning from injured reserve. In a game with a high total, played indoors and with everything on the line, I expect Nacua to be heavily involved again.
Jordan Addison Anytime Touchdown (+155, FanDuel or Bet365)
Jordan Addison has been a touchdown machine, racking up nine scores in just 15 games this season, including seven over his last eight starts. While Justin Jefferson remains the primary red zone target for Sam Darnold, we’ve seen instances where forcing the ball to Jefferson has backfired. Addison, on the other hand, can turn big plays into touchdowns and has seen a notable uptick in target share during the second half of the season.
The odds on Addison feel a bit mispriced compared to Jefferson’s, making this a value spot worth taking. In a playoff game with limited options, I’m rolling with Addison to find the end zone.
As always, I locked these in early over on Tails in the Discord. If you’re not already part of the community, use promo code TAILS60 to get 60% off your first week or month and access every play early. Click the image below to get started!
